Chamba’s natural turmeric finds a golden opportunity

In a step towards promoting sustainable agriculture, the procurement of turmeric cultivated through natural farming has commenced in Chowari in Chamba. On the opening day, 12 quintals of turmeric were purchased from five local farmers at a rate of Rs 90 per kilogram, which is the minimum support price (MSP) fixed by the Himachal Pradesh government. This initiative is being carried out under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) project.

Dr Jyoti Ranjan Kalia, Project Director of ATMA, Chamba, said the procurement will continue from May 22 to 25 at the Agriculture Office Complex in Chowari. Only farmers who have been practicing certified natural farming for over a year are eligible to sell their produce under this scheme.

He emphasised that this move was part of the government’s broader effort to support natural farming and ensure fair compensation to farmers committed to sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr Kalia said nearly half of the turmeric procured will be sent for processing to the Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Bhawarna in Kangra district under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project. The remaining portion will be used to establish demonstration units across various regions of the district to promote the benefits and techniques of natural farming.

Naturally grown turmeric carries numerous advantages. It is free from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, making it healthier and safer for consumption. Such turmeric tends to have a higher curcumin content, enhancing its medicinal value, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With rising consumer demand for chemical-free products, naturally cultivated turmeric also fetches a better price in organic and wellness markets. Additionally, natural farming improves soil health, conserves biodiversity and reduces input costs for farmers by eliminating the need for expensive chemical products.

Dr Kalia encouraged more farmers to adopt natural farming and assured them of government support in both procurement and technical guidance. Those seeking further information regarding natural farming methods and market opportunities are advised to contact their local Block Technology Manager (BTM) or Assistant Technology Manager (ATM).

Present at the launch of the procurement were agricultural expert Sunny Patial, ATMA Deputy Project Director Mahima Ghabru, and Block Technology Manager Navneet Dwivedi.